CO129-495 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [11-12] — Page 261

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(2). CHINA,

Mn Platerbuck

PIRACY IN BIAS BAY.

(0.1.D.Paper No. 287-0).

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232

THE COBITTEE had uncor consideration & Report by the Chlofs of Staff (0.1.D.Paper No. 287-0), to whom the plan for dealing; with piracy in Dias Bay had boon referred by the Committee at their 218th looting.

In reply to the Pring Finiator, SIR FREDERICA, FIPLD stated that Lord Beatty had nothing further to add to the Report.

SIR GHORGE MILE said that the Chiefs of Staff were in favour of doforring exocution of the plan subitted by the Goverior of Fong Kong until after another piracy had taken place, as indicated in paragraph of thoir Report.

In reply to the Prino inister, SIR AUSTH: CHAMBERLAIN, stated that he was of the opinion that the correct courso would be to eat tho Canton Government to co-oporate, but 11e would like to consult the Consul-Gonoral, Canton, before making a definite decision in regard to this suggestion. Later in the meoting ho added that he did not wish that instructions to the local authorities at Hong Kong should be delayed until after he had received a reply from Canton.

AFTER SOT DISCUSSION: the coIT OF I PERIAL DEZTUCZ

agreed to recormond:-

(a) That the Booretary of State for Foreign Affairs should, without delay, consult the Consul- General Canton, with a view to obtaining, if possible, the co-operation of the Canton Government in the proposed operation under threat of independent action on our part in the event of their refusal.

(b) That the Governor of Hong Kong should at once

bo informed by the Secretary of Stato for the Colonies that the Consul-Genoral, Canton, is being consulted as above, and that he should be authorised in conjunction with the Naval and ilitary authorities to carry out the plan submitted by him without further dalay in the event of another piracy, subject to the proviso that smoke-bombing of the villages is forbidden.

(c)......